January 31, 2008
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The liturgical season of Epiphany culminates with the glorious manifestation of Christ known as the Transfiguration. Matthew's Gospel tells us that Jesus "was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white." Moses, the representative of the Law, and Elijah, the representative of the Prophets, appear with Jesus -- symbolizing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets and the fulfillment of God's revelation.
THEME FOR THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
The Transfiguration of Jesus, placed on the last Sunday before the beginning of the Lenten season, is given to us as a preview of the glory that is to come. During Lent we will consider how Jesus was tempted and how Jesus took up his cross. The Transfiguration reminds us that Christ's suffering is followed by a transforming Resurrection. In the Collect, we pray: "O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
The reading from Exodus recalls the journey of Moses up the mountain where he received the commandments of the covenant. "Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel."
Psalm 2 speaks of the king on the holy hill of Zion and of God's blessing upon the king: "You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession."
The letter from Peter recalls Peter's role as an "eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, 'This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.' We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain."
Matthew's Gospel tells of the journey of Jesus with Peter, James and John up a high mountain: "And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him ... suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!' When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, 'Get up and do not be afraid.' And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone."
This Sunday at 10:30 a m, we will welcome candidates in the Journey to Faith course who are preparing for baptism, confirmation, reception into the Episcopal Church, and reaffirmation of baptismal vows. On Sunday, these adult inquirers will come forward to receive the blessing of the congregation and to speak their commitment to follow Christ. After the service, all are invited to a luncheon and the 114th annual meeting of All Saints Parish.
As always, I invite you to join us for our weekend worship services: the Celtic Holy Eucharist Saturday at 5:00 pm, the Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing Sunday at 10:30 am, and the Sunday Evening Contemplative Holy Eucharist at 6:00 pm.
Sincerely,
David A. Killian
Rector
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Worship Services for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, February 2-3, 2008
Saturday, February 2, at 5:00 pm: Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian
Sunday, February 3, at 10:30 am: Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian
Sunday, February 3, at 6:00 pm: Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian
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Weekend and Mid-Week Worship Schedule
For the schedule of worship services for Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday, please click here.
For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here. Please note that the we are now using the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings.
Music note from All Saints Music Director Donald Teeters will resume next week.
For a Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor, Director of Children's Youth, and Family Ministry, click here.
For a note on the Sunday 6:00 pm 'Sunday Evening' Holy Eucharist from Assistant Rector, the Rev. Leslie K. Sterling, click here.
To browse past issues of the All Saints Weekly, click here.
For "All Saints Smiles" and news about events, activities, programs, ministries and the staff of our parish, please click on the All Saints website: www.allsaintsbrookline.org.
Many thanks to June Santosa, design, Barbara Bembery, distribution, and the contributors above who produce the All Saints Weekly each week.
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